Adult Leadership Development in Youth-Based
Ministry

Files

Title

Adult Leadership Development in Youth-Based
Ministry

Description

Digitized copy of a dissertation submitted to the Faculty of Lancaster Theological Seminary in candidacy for the degree of Doctor of Ministry. This project compares the adult-based
youth ministry paradigm with the youth-based youth ministry paradigm, shows the benefits and advantages of the latter, and invites adult advisors to shift to it. A psychology called choice theory is introduced and may be considered a useful alternative to the psychology at work in adult-based youth ministry. The science of adult learning called andragogy is also introduced as a means for adult advisors to utilize choice theory in their practice of the youth-based ministry paradigm. Both choice theory and andragogy are embedded within the youth-based ministry paradigm making it a comprehensive way of seeing and practicing youth ministry at a time when the church needs to renew its ministry with youth. A workshop was designed to enrich adult advisor's understandings of the youth-based paradigm, to give practice time for certain skills associated with the paradigm, and to serve as a means to research the participant's perceptions regarding the paradigm. Followup research tested for levels of resistance/acceptance to the paradigm and differences between theory and actual practice. Adults who become skilled in the youth-based ministry focus on advising youth as they discern their passion for God, life, and faith, develop their gifts and leadership skills, and can grow as faithful, responsible participants in the life, mission, and work of the church. Electronic PDF document. 229 pages.